It also was an effort that had yet to completely carry over into conference games. When it did, USF never had a chance.

"We've almost gotten to a point where this is what we expect to do," guard Ben Hansbrough said. "If they're going to come out and not play us, we expect a big effort."

A Hugh Robertson drive and subsequent free throw nudged the Bulls into a 3-2 lead with 17:50 remaining in the first half. From that point on, it was all Notre Dame, which attacked and defended in waves. The Irish had quick hands, paid attention to detail to help, and gang-rebounded.

Scott Martin, who had 10 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists, sandwiched five points around a Carleton Scott jumper. Scott then delivered a 3 of his own.

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Tim Abromaitis jumped in with a 3 as the Irish connected on six of their first eight shots from the field.

Just over six minutes after trailing 3-2 a Scott basket and free throw gave the Irish a 24-3 lead. Shaun Noriega finally snapped the USF scoreless streak that had reached 7:36, but by then, this one was over. Long over.

"Our practice carried over," Martin said. "We were focused and executing right away from the get-go. We were ready to go."

South Florida shot 20 percent from the field in the first half and was outrebounded, 21-15. Coach Stan Heath admitted afterward that his guys played "like dogs" in letting the Irish run away so early. Heath liked his team's effort the final 20 minutes, but really was impressed by the Irish.

"The sky's the limit for that team," Heath said. "Offensively, when they get it going ... they can beat anybody."

Notre Dame's advantage dipped under 20 points only twice the final 20 minutes as it received contributions from seemingly all angles. For the second time this season, and first since league play commenced in late December, the Irish placed six in double figures, including a 13-point, 11 rebound effort from Scott.

The team's other four senior starters all scored at least 10 points, and the Irish received another massive effort off the bench from sophomore Jack Cooley.

Able to build off a 10-point game earlier in the week against No. 16 Louisville, Cooley responded with 18 points and eight rebounds in 16 unbelievably effective minutes. Cooley, who was 5-for-5 on Wednesday night, made his first nine shots before missing his final attempt Saturday.

South Florida's large front line was a concern of Notre Dame's coming in, but the Irish decided to keep running their offense and, if the opportunities presented themselves, attack the Bulls around the basket.

The Irish then did that to the tune of 48 points in the paint, many of those coming from Cooley, who solved double- and sometimes triple-teams to keep making shots.